Question of diet and exercise with early PSC

[Guest guest]

I originally went to my primary doc for epigastric pain, which I

thougt may have been a hernia or ulcer. After ultrasound, the

gastroeneterologist found I had moderate hiatal hernia, and

suggested endoscopy. On that, they found Barrett's esophagus. I

returned to the gastroenterologist because the pain was still

there. He thought it might be gallbladder so I had ERCP. Turns

out, there were no stones, but there was a lot of scarring and

inflammation throughout the bile ducts and into the liver. Liver

biopsy confirmed PSC, though very early, since I have none of the

usual symptoms of itching, jaundice, fever, etc.

My question is, I want to start a diet and exercise program to lose

weight (at least 50 lbs) and recondition myself after " letting

myself go " for 3 years after total hysterectomy (2003) for cervical

cancer. I know that diet and exercise will lessen the effects of

many conditions, such as hypertension, depression, etc., but I

wonder how much of an effect it will have on PSC, especially at

this " early " stage.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

MJL

[Guest guest]

MJL,

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2002 and PSC in 2003. I

started exercising regularly this past February and step it up a

couple of notches as far as intensity around May/June. I run 3-4

miles 4 days a week and lift weights about the same number of days. I

feel great.

For about the past 2 1/2 years my liver panels have been perfect,

right down the middle of normal values. I've been taking Colazal for

the colitis and Urso for the PSC. I have my liver panel checked every

6 months. However this past June for my 6 month check up my AST and

ALT enzymes were elevated. I'm saying it is due to exercising...my

doctor is a bit more suspicious and wants another check in 3 months

(October). AST levels can be raised with vigorous exercise...there

was an article in Runner's World magazine recently about this.

With all that said here is my suggestion. Have a few liver panel

function tests done prior to any vigorous exercise so you can have a

base line. Talk to your doctor about your intentions for exercising

and work out a proper exercise routine with him/her.

Just my 2 cents...hope it helps.

Curt

> My question is, I want to start a diet and exercise program to lose

> weight (at least 50 lbs) and recondition myself after " letting

> myself go " for 3 years after total hysterectomy (2003) for cervical

> cancer. I know that diet and exercise will lessen the effects of

> many conditions, such as hypertension, depression, etc., but I

> wonder how much of an effect it will have on PSC, especially at

> this " early " stage.

>

> Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

>

> MJL

>